Naively Thinking That Breast Cancer Won’t Change Who You Are

I was adamant that I wasn’t going to let breast cancer change me. It wasn’t going to affect my life and it sure wasn’t going to have any lasting effect. That just wasn’t going to happen in my world. I soon learned how wrong I was. Not being impacted proved not to be possible. The life-changing outcome that came with a breast cancer diagnosis has been a theme coursing through many of my blogs over these past years. I am changed, my life has changed, there is no going back.

I have been thinking lately though that it wasn’t breast cancer that had the power to change me, but rather it was finding my own seat of strength and power that transformed me and affected my life. I discovered that I could rise to the challenge that came with treatment. I was able to overcome my own fears to boldly accept the truth of the diagnosis, and I found the courage to believe in my own future. That is what changed me. The characteristics that came with choosing to be a warrior are what molded my new self. I find these traits a firm part of me now. I am more confident, self-aware and less concerned with what people think. I believe in myself, since it was myself who fought and won.

For anyone newly facing a breast cancer diagnosis, I can with all confidence assure you that you too will find your inner strength beyond what you have ever known. You do have the courage to lead yourself through the battle. And for those who, like me, are years out of the fight against breast cancer, I am convinced that you are a shining inspiration to those around you. I trust that you are stronger and more determined to live your life your way. If you haven’t seen it in yourself, then take it from me. I am telling you that this is the new you; stronger, bolder, and more confident. It’s in there, I know, because you have already battled for your life and won. You may feel a little depressed now and then, that’s OK. You may wonder if the disease is lurking like an enemy in the shadows; we all do. But you still have a life to live and it’s going to be even better now that you know what you’re made of. So live it like a champion.

Get the latest health updates

Thanks for signing up!

Oops!

A system error was encountered. Please try again later.

Follow us on your favorite social network!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy-Ellen Kups, RN

Kathy-Ellen is a Registered Nurse living in Michigan. In 2003, Kathy-Ellen was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. She was cancer-free from April 2004 until December of 2013 when it was discovered that...read more